HOW WOULD A PHYSICIST DESIGN A TENNIS RACKET

Tennis players dream of finding Lhe perfect racket that will immediately transform them into champions. While that may be wishful thinking, it is generally agreed that today’s rackets are much better than those of 20 years ago. Though they may not turn you into an instant Wimbledon winner (after all, your opponent has one too), they will clearly improve your game. There is still hope among inventors, racket manufacturers and players that a perfect racket will come along someday. If and when such a racket is developed, what will its properties be and how will it affect the game of tennis? Physics, anyone? Contemplating the analytical mechanics of tennis rackets may improve your game—but it’s no substitute for practice. © 1995, American Institute of Physics. All rights reserved.